Living with Unilateral polymicrogyria
A brain condition present at birth in which one side of the brain has too many small folds, often causing seizures.
Understanding Unilateral polymicrogyria
It has two subtypes, depending on the area affected: unilateral hemispheric and focal. It is noticed in the newborn period or infancy.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Seizures
- Weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis)
- Intellectual disability
- Poor fine motor coordination
- Muscle stiffness in the arms and legs (spastic tetraplegia)
- Trouble with chewing and swallowing (pseudobulbar paralysis)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists, genetic specialists and seizure and epilepsy specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
PMG Awareness Organization and Epilepsy Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists); Seizure and epilepsy specialists (epileptologist)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: PMG Awareness Organization, Epilepsy Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with PMG Awareness Organization and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes (variants) cause this condition, but it doesn't name a specific gene.
Patient organizations
- PMG Awareness OrganizationUnilateral polymicrogyria · United States
- Epilepsy FoundationEpilepsy · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Unilateral polymicrogyria.
Explore research for Unilateral polymicrogyria
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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